There's been a flurry of activity in Vancouver, BC lately that we'd like to share with you. (We notice these things because we're not aholes who like to chant "USA!" and act like America is the only country that matters...)

First, for British Columbia's 150th anniversary, the Vancouver Sun is taking votes for BC's most influential citizens. DOA's Joey "Shithead" Keithley is on the ballot and you should vote for him! Unfortunately, there are no write-in blanks for our other BC friends. Boo.

However, that doesn't mean we're not gonna talk about them. Nardwuar the Human Serviette sent us some videos taken at the Mint Records holiday show. First is the Evaporators featuring special guest Andrew W.K. The second video is the Evaporators, Andrew W.K., Jon Card and Randy Rampage of DOA, and Wimpy Roy of the Subhumans doing "Oh, Canaduh" and "Fuck You" by the Subhumans.

Evaporators vs. Andrew W.K.

Evaporators vs. Andrew W.K. vs. Subhumans

12/08/08: Blowfly on DAG's Chocolate News

The Original Dirty Rapper Blowfly will grace the small screen as a guest on David Alan Grier's Chocolate News on Comedy Central. We had hoped Blowfly would be the first African-American president, after his campaign which is chronicled on Fahrenheit 69 (Virus 331), but maybe he will get a cabinet appointment in the Obama administration? We can only hope...

In addition to our naturally inexpensive prices, we're also offering a crazy selection of CDs from other record labels- 4 for $10! There are some stone-cold classics from around the world in the bargain bins, in genres as disparate as comedy, grindcore, twang, gypsy punk, and communist skinhead oi music!

It's at the San Francisco Armory @ 14th and Mission, 2 blocks from 16th/Mission BART station in San Francisco, CA. There'll be over 20 hours of live performances on 3 stages featuring live music, circus and dance acts, performance artists and DJs, including gypsy jazz, bellydance, spoken word, beatbox, choral ensembles, fashion shows, puppetry, flamenco guitar, and much more, all at the Mission Bazaar!

12/03/08: Chomsky's election analysis
While we were on Thanksgiving break, AlterNet published a new article by Noam Chomsky on whether President-Elect Obama being voted into office is sign of a true, democratic movement. We thought we'd share. (We're working with Jello to bring you his thoughts/suggestions for the new administration too. Stay tuned!)

2008 Winter Holiday deadlines:
For Christmas/Hannukah season we have the following deadlines. Find your method of shipping/ordering and get your order in by the date below. This should ensure delivery by Wednesday December 24, 2008.

All orders sent through the mail should arrive at our PO Box by December 1
International web orders December 1
Media Mail web orders December 8
Priority Mail orders December 18
More info on how to order here!

P.S.- On that note, Friday November 28, 2008 is the 17th annual Buy Nothing Day! Make a stand against consumerism by joining in a Zombie Walk, an empty shopping cart Conga Line, or any one of dozens of other international events tomorrow on the largest shopping day on the calendar.

That said, we and every other independently owned business, collective, and/or local coop need your support in these times of economic ridiculousness. Why give $ to ginormous corporations who are sucking the government's teats- er, being "bailed out"- while the rest of us struggle? For more about the Buy Local movement go here, here,
or here.

11/24/08: Dicks interview book
The Chicago-based Temporary Services published a booklet of interviews about The Dicks for their "Temporary Conversations" series. "For this booklet we wanted to include not just members of the Dicks' Austin line up, but also hear from others who witnessed their Texas years. Tim Kerr of the Big Boys, a band that shared many shows and the aforementioned live split LP with the Dicks, offers a short but sweet recollection. Austin Chronicle writer Margaret Moser agreed to a full interview where she describes the musical landscape of Austin leading up the Dicks' formation, as well as the personal impact their music had for her. Photographer Bill Daniel sent us some photos from the Dicks' Texas years and Dave Ensminger and Ryan Richardson scanned examples from their flyer collections. The Dicks' singer Gary Floyd took some questions via e-mail and Dicks bassist Buxf Parrot was interviewed on the phone." You can order a physical copy here

11/20/08: Articles of Faith songs immortalized on YouTube

Vic Bondi gave us a heads up on some YouTube videos featuring the Articles of Faith songs he played with members of Pegboy in Chicago on 11/15. Vic's current band Report Suspicious Activity played a few shows last weekend, including a show in Chicago that featured a special set of AOF songs. We're embedding their performance of "What We Want is Free." You can find more videos from that show here (courtesy of user ShackIeMeNot).

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still questions Jello Biafra's ability to bring about change to this country, today is your answer.

BUSINESSMEN IN CLOWN SUITS!!!

In his 1979 San Francisco mayoral campaign, Jello pledged to make businessmen wear clown suits within city limits. Right about now might be a good time to reconsider his proposal. Watch out, Hank Paulson! Gird your loins, Wall Street! Treasury Secretary Jello Biafra has a nice ring to it, no?

Well, actually, the clowns in the photo are not businessmen. They're real clowns from the Big Apple Circus invited to ring the opening bell at NYSE. Read about it here in the NY Post. But yes we can believe that Jello had the right idea, dammit.

11/14/08: Clearance sale at VoteNader.org

Just a heads up that there's a merch clearance sale over at VoteNader.org. We bring this to your attention because one of the items they carry is a DVD of their August 2008 rally in Denver, CO. It features our own Jello Biafra as one of the many speakers (others include Cindy Sheehan and Sean Penn) as well as live sets by Rage Against the Machine, etc.

11/05/08: Jesse the AT Mail Male elected!
Jesse the AT Mail Male was elected to the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board yesterday as part of a 5 candidate progressive Rent Board slate!

Just a quick note for those of you in the US who are voting on election day. We're sure you've been hearing about voter suppression efforts and cranky voting machines that are plaguing the process already.

Before you go to your polling place (here's a Google Maps mashup if you need to find your location), double check your state's ID requirements and make sure to bring proper documents. Just in case, program this number into your cell: 866-687-8683 (866-OUR-VOTE). That's the hotline number for Election Protection, a non-partisan coalition who provides voter info and advice as well as collect data on irregularities. The Spanish language hotline is 1-888-Ve-Y-Vota.

Happy voting!

11/01/08: Amebix US tour in January 2009!!!

It looks like Rob the Baron will take a short break from making swords because Amebix will be touring the US in January 2009. Below are the confirmed dates so far. Please stay tuned to our Tour Dates page for any updates and changes. We recommend that you purchase your tickets in advance, as the shows will sell out. Please check with venues on ticket info--we will try to post as much info as we can find in the coming days.